Anthropology/Sociology Course Listings

ANSO 1010 Introduction to Sociology (3)

Intended primarily for students who wish to gain a broad, general overview of the field, its area of study, methods of inquiry, and conceptions and analysis of society.

ANSO 1020 Social Issues (3)

Intended mainly for students who wish to explore the field by concentrating on specific issues within American society.

ANSO 1070 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3)

Explores the concepts of culture, universals and diversities of humanity, transmission of culture, and the role of the anthropologist in modern society.

ANSO 1080 Human Evolution (3)

Explores the evolution of humanity and culture: concepts and mechanisms of evolution, Homo sapiens' place among the primates, and human variation.

ANSO 1090 Topics in Geography (1-4)

Acquaints the student with contemporary and classic issues in geography. Offerings range from the study of demography to the evolution of humanity and culture. Intended for majors and non-majors, including students in teacher education programs. May be repeated for credit if content differs.

ANSO 2000 Issues in Contemporary Society (1-4)

Acquaints the student with the various social and cultural issues of contemporary societies. Centers around concerns of living in industrialized urban societies. Compares complex societies to gain an understanding of issues that confront their members. Topics vary each semester. May be repeated for credit if content differs.

ANSO 2030 Culture and Communication (3)

Begins with the concept of culture as a means of communicating with others, not only language but with manners, etiquette, dress, rituals and ceremonials, gesture and movement--the entire system of symbols and signs that provide meaning for human behavior. Explores a variety of issues in cross-cultural communication, language use, and symbolic systems.

ANSO 2040 North American Indians: Pre-Columbian to 1870 (3)

Examines the diversity of North American Indians prior to European colonization, the varied adaptations to their ecological setting, the associated economic, religious, and political structures as well as their connections and relationships with other populations and the varied responses to European incursions. It is highly recommended that this class be followed with ANSO 2050.

ANSO 2050 North American Indians: 1870 to the Present (3)

Examines the consequences of the U.S. government policies which transformed the American Indian populations from autonomous peoples to ones of relocation and dependency. Begins with the establishment of the reservation system and the intense acculturation policies of the U.S. government. The class will emphasize the subsequent economic, political, legal, and religious responses to regain autonomy. It is highly recommended that this class be preceded by ANSO 2040.

ANSO 2100 Peoples and Cultures (3)

An introduction to ways in which diverse cultures or specific geographic regions respond to some of the stress points of the contemporary world. Issues we will examine include: violence and warfare, ethnic conflicts, environmental degradation, economic inequalities, cultural imperialism and social change, human rights and the role of governments, and the many conflicts between "traditional" values and modernity. The course is designed to broaden the student's understanding of the processes taking place in the contemporary world, utilizing the lenses provided by social sciences. May be repeated for credit if content differs.

ANSO 2375 Deviant Behavior (3)

An overview of concepts, issues, and research findings in the study of deviant behavior. We will examine the various theories that provide explanations of the nature, causes, and control of deviance as a social phenomenon. Application of theories to specific substantive areas, such as mental disorder, delinquency, drug, suicide, unconventional sexuality, and physical disability will be examined. Prerequisites: ANSO 1010 or ANSO 1070 or permission of the instructor.

ANSO 2425 Women: Power, Place, and Person (3)

For the most part, the generalizations and theories about the nature and behavior of humans have been "man-made" reflecting a predominantly masculine perspective leading to generalizations that excluded women. This course is an examination of women, placing women's experiences at the center of study. We will examine issues of gender, questioning traditional assumptions about being female. This course content is both a complement and correction to established disciplines (as well as a new discipline of its own) that crosses boundaries between established academic arenas presenting new ways of understanding.

ANSO 2550 Dynamics of Decision Making (3)

Examines the practical, personal, and interpersonal aspects of decision making. The course focuses on the processes of critical thinking, communication, self-awareness, and group dynamics.

ANSO 2560 Social Movements (3)

Explores the general characteristics of classic and modern social movements. Analyzes problems of recruitment, organization, duration, institutionalization, and ideology. Prerequisite: ANSO 1010, or ANSO 1070, or permission of the instructor.

ANSO 2600 Social Influence and Persuasion (3)

Examines the factors that facilitate conformity, techniques to ensure compliance, and will investigate the conditions that produce obedience to authority. Strategies utilized by salesmen, politicians, lawyers, special interest groups, and the media will also be examined. Also examines the nature of propaganda, use of subliminal messages in advertising, and role of social influence and persuasion in cults.

ANSO 2650 Nonverbal Behavior (3)

Examines the role of "unspoken dialogue" in human interaction and the influence nonverbal behavior has on interpersonal communication. Focuses on how nonverbal concepts like physical appearance, gestures, movement, and facial expressions underscore the "spoken dialogue."

ANSO 2710 The Sociology of Education (3)

Analyzes issues related to education and social change. Explores the relationship of educational institutions to other institutions within modern industrial societies. Examines educational policy issues such as desegregation, alternative schools, textbook censorship, teacher unions, and community control of schools. Intended for majors and non-majors. Required or highly recommended for students in teacher education programs. Prerequisite: ANSO 1010 or permission of the instructor.

ANSO 2750 Introduction to Measurement and Statistics (3)

Designed to aid the student in learning how to "make sense" of a body of numbers; how to summarize and extract information from numbers; how to detect, measure, and use relationships between variables; and how to use statistical aids to the decision-making process. Prerequisite: ANSO 1010 or ANSO 1070 or PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

ANSO 2825 Introduction to Research Methods (3)

Research is at the heart of the behavioral and social sciences. This course will cover the basics of quantitative and qualitative research design. In addition, students will be provided with the means to critically analyze and assess the ethics of research findings. Lastly, students will be given the opportunity to collect data and analyze the results. Prerequisite: ANSO 1010 or ANSO 1070 or PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

ANSO 2900 Community Practicum (3)

Students engage in volunteer work at a community agency and have an opportunity to experience firsthand the agency operations. A variety of field placements are available, depending on the student's background and interests. Classroom component will include discussion of placement experiences and issues. Prerequisites: sophomore standing, permission of the instructor, and approval of placement proposal. May be repeated for credit.

ANSO 3000 Topics in Anthropology/Sociology (3)

An advanced, in-depth analysis of issues and topics in anthropology, sociology, and social science. Topics vary with the semester. Prerequisites: ANSO 1010 or ANSO 1070 or PSYC 1100 and 6 credit hours of social science, or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit if content differs.

ANSO 3010 Community Studies (3)

Examines investigative models and alternative research findings in a variety of community studies. Reviews preparatory analysis of the social geography and history of the field site, fieldwork strategies, and ethical issues in field research. Prerequisites: ANSO 1010 or ANSO 1070 and 6 credit hours of social science or permission of the instructor.

ANSO 3225 Holocaust (3)

Examines the Holocaust and the groups of individuals involved in this genocide (e.g., perpetrators, victims, bystanders, resistance fighters) from a psychological/sociological perspective. Issues explored include: the question of what enabled individuals collectively and individually to perpetrate the Holocaust, the nature of extreme prejudice, the psychology of propaganda, the impact of extreme victimization on the victim (during the Holocaust, upon liberation, and in later years), and the question of what enabled some individuals/groups/countries to actively become involved in resistance while others remained passive bystanders and others sympathizers/collaborators. The roles that psychology, psychologists, and psychiatrists played during the Holocaust are also examined. Prerequisites: ANSO 1010 or ANSO 1070 or PSYC 1100 and 6 hours of social science or permission of the instructor.

ANSO 3250 Applied Anthropology (3)

Introduces applied anthropology and employs a comparative perspective to investigate the importance of utilizing anthropological concepts in dealing with current social and cultural issues. Prerequisites: ANSO 1010 or ANSO 1070 and 6 credit hours of social science or permission of the instructor.

ANSO 3275 Genocide (3)

Examines the psychological, cultural, and societal roots of human cruelty, mass violence, and genocide. We examine the questions of what enables individuals collectively and individually to perpetrate mass violence and genocide as well as examine the impact of apathetic bystanders on human violence. Genocides studied include the Armenian genocide, the Holocaust, the auto-genocide in Cambodia, the Rwandan genocide, the genocides in the former Yugoslavia, and others. Prerequisites: ANSO 1010 or ANSO 1070 or PSYC 1100 and 6 hours of social science or permission of the instructor.

ANSO 3425 Juvenile Delinquency (3)

Examine the construct of juvenile delinquency focusing on causation, prevention, and intervention. Specific attention will be given to how various explanations/theories of delinquency influence social policy, social agencies, intervention strategies, and the administration of juvenile justice. Prerequisites: ANSO 1010 or ANSO 1070 or PSYC 1100 and 6 hours of social science or permission of the instructor.

ANSO 3550 Theories of Social Science (3)

Examine the works of the classic producers of ideas about society and culture, and about being a social and cultural product (Marx, Weber, Durkheim, Simmel, Freud, Mead, etc.) as each continues to influence the ideas of contemporary theorists in the social sciences. Reviews classic explanations of how society works, following major streams of social theories through to present-day approaches. Prerequisites: ANSO 1010 or ANSO 1070 and 6 credit hours of social science or permission of the instructor.

ANSO 3575 Organizational Behavior (3)

Examines the processes whereby people gather to accomplish some goal that requires a coordinated division of labor. Provides an understanding of social behavior, inasmuch as we spend a significant proportion of our lives functioning within complex organizations. Discusses the major theoretical and empirical positions in order to understand the dynamics of complex organizations. Prerequisites: ANSO 1010 or ANSO 1070 or PSYC 1100 and 6 credit hours of social science or permission of the instructor.

ANSO 3600 Social Psychology (3)

Examines how people influence and are influenced by their social setting. Examines the social nature of individuals (attitudes, attitude change, prejudice), dyads (human relations), and small groups (conformity, decision making, leadership). Students are encouraged to apply theories and research to issues of personal concern. Prerequisite: ANSO 1010 or ANSO 1070 or PSYC 1100 and 6 credit hours of social science or permission of the instructor.

ANSO 3610 Independent Reading Course (1-5)

Designed for individual student exploration of a given body of knowledge or a specific area of interest. Selected topics agreed upon between student and a member of the departmental faculty. Topic of the course, detailed learning outcomes, and means of evaluation to be negotiated between student and faculty member. Intended for majors. Prerequisites: junior standing and permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit if content differs,

ANSO 3650 Prejudice and Discrimination (3)

Examines the essential features, principles, facts, and theories that surround stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination. Theoretical approaches considered will include those from psychology, sociology, and international human rights. Consequently, discussion of intergroup relations as they pertain to different racial and ethnic groups throughout the world. In addition, the course examines discrimination based on appearance, gender, age, ability, and sexual orientation. Prerequisites: ANSO 1010 or ANSO 1070 or PSYC 1100 and 6 hours of social science or permission of the instructor.

ANSO 3875 Social Science Lab (1-3)

Lab is designed to complement a 3000-level core course allowing the instructor and student to work collaboratively towards the development of a course related project. Prerequisites: ANSO 1010 or ANSO 1070 or PSYC 1100 and 6 hours of social science or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit if content differs.

ANSO 3900 Family and Kinship (3)

Examines patterns of family life in the context of the larger society. Organized around major questions, such as: What are the universal functions of the family and kinship in society? How do families differ in various societies? Prerequisites: ANSO 1010 or ANSO 1070 and 6 credit hours of social science or permission of the instructor.

ANSO 3960 Ethnic and Minority Relations (3)

Examines and compares the problems and issues surrounding ethnicity and minority group status in various areas of the world. Explores the historical perspective of present issues confronting the United States and other Western countries. Prerequisites: ANSO 1010 or ANSO 1070 and 6 credit hours of social science or permission of the instructor.

ANSO 4000 Advanced Studies in Anthropology/Sociology (3)

Designed for in-depth study of a specific area or issue in anthropology/ sociology. Students may petition the department to consider offering the course on specific topics of current concern. Prerequisite: 12 credit hours of social science or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit if content differs.

ANSO 4200 Class, Status, and Power (3)

Examines the process whereby members of a society or social group are "ranked" in some order or fashion in accordance with some criteria. Inherent in the arguments concerning social differentiations are definitions, rationalizations, the consequences of social inequality, competition, conflict, discrimination, and other ideological social issues. Prerequisite: 12 credit hours of social science or permission of the instructor.

ANSO 4275 Gender and Sex Roles (3)

Explores the status and roles of women and men from cross-cultural and historical perspectives. Among the enduring issues to be examined are the concepts of masculinity and femininity, role acquisition, gender inequality, and the connections between ideologies and the organization of work and unequal sex roles. Prerequisite: 12 credit hours of social science or permission of the instructor.

ANSO 4400 Human Sexuality (3)

Examine human sexual behavior within the cultural, social, and political context. Topics discussed include historical/cross-cultural sexual attitudes, reproductive health and rights, the range of sexual experience, gender differences and roles, sexual orientation, sex and disease, sex and the law, and sex and social responsibility/personal ethics. Prerequisite: 12 credit hours of social science or permission of the instructor.

ANSO 4610 Advanced Independent Reading Course (1-5)

Designed for individual student exploration of a given body of knowledge or a specific area of interest. Selected topics agreed upon between student and a member of the departmental faculty. Topic of the course, detailed learning outcomes, and means of evaluation to be negotiated between student and faculty member. Intended for majors. Prerequisites: senior standing and permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit if content differs.

ANSO 4825 Advanced Research Methods (3)

Provides a focused investigation of a particular research methodology (e.g., quantitative, qualitative) used in the social sciences. Topics vary each semester. The focus of the course is on the theory and practice of social science research, covering research concept formation, research design, data collection, and data analysis. In addition, students will apply this knowledge to their own independent research project. Prerequisite: 12 credit hours of social science or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit if content differs.

ANSO 4875 Advanced Social Science Lab (1-3)

Lab is designed to complement a 4000-level core course allowing the instructor and student to work collaboratively towards the development of a course related project. Prerequisite: 12 credit hours of social science and permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit if content differs.

ANSO 4900 Senior Seminar (3)

This seminar is designed to be a capstone experience in the major. The purpose of the course is for students to demonstrate an integration of their learning/knowledge in the discipline. Course topics vary each semester. Prerequisite: 12 credit hours of social science or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit if content differs.

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